The first trailer for Telusu Kada movie, Neeraja Kona's brand new Telugu romantic comedy, is dropping in like a bit of a curveball amongst all the Diwali big releases. Starring Siddhu Jonnalagadda as the lead, alongside two talented women in Raashii Khanna & Srinidhi Shetty, who are about to get caught up in his emotional whirlwind - we get a sense that we're in for something rather unpredictable. Now set to hit the screens on October 17th 2025 under People Media Factory, the title, Telusu Kada (which by the way translates to "You Know, Right?") is giving every indication it's going to ruffle a few feathers in the traditional rom-com world. Mixing youthful vibes with some very unfiltered, real explorations of relationships, it's produced by the innovative TG Vishwa Prasad & boasting the skills of S Thaman on the music - the trailer is already getting people talking about the film's bold take on love in the 21st century.
From the very start, the trailer sets a bold tone - and it doesn't let up. Siddhu Jonnalagadda, off the back of some pretty big hits like DJ Tillu, shows up as a pretty confident young man with this endearing mix of cockiness and vulnerability - "Guys shouldnt cry in front of women or they hand over all the power" - I mean, you can kinda see this bloke becoming the kind of likable, flawed, everyman that gets caught up in love in a big way. And I think that's what happens here - Raashii Khanna & Srinidhi Shetty bring a natural charm to their roles as the two women who turn his life upside down - one a fiery partner who puts him to the test, the other a calming presence that brings out the best in him. But this is no run of the mill love story - its a messy, thrilling mix of desire, power-play & heartache, where our hero butchers the whole emotional management thing and ends up making a right plonker of himself, & having a few pretty shattering epiphanies.
What really jumps out is Neeraja Kona's directorial style: it speaks volumes about her background as a renowned costume designer. As a first-time filmmaker, she's making a bold statement & tackling some heavy adult themes head on. The trailer gives you a hint of what to expect - a few quick shots of steamy moments, lingering gazes & so on - but it all feels a bit tastefully done & never gets into the sleazy side of things. Cinematographer Gnana Shekar VS captures those sensual moments with some seriously vibrant colours - think sun-kissed streets, bustling city life & intimate chats all bathed in candlelight - to give you that rush of youth & romance. And yet, the fact it's U/A certified tells you that while this film is pushing the boundaries, its still trying to strike a balance so family audiences can enjoy it too. Siddhu himself has said as much in interviews, & in promos, hinting that the film gets in some pretty deep stuff but ultimately stays rooted in emotions that anyone can connect with.
S Thaman's background score is a triumph - the trailer is given a pulsating, youthful rhythm that not only matches the film's energy but also feels like its heartbeat. The music swells during those maddeningly funny bits – Viva Harsha at his bewildered best as Siddhu's hapless sidekick - when the love triangle takes an absurd turn – and melts into poignant melodies at the emotional peaks. It's a sonic palette that comes across as refreshingly new, avoiding all those overused romance tunes that we've seen a million times before. The editing by Naveen Nooli keeps things moving at a good clip, cutting between laugh out loud banter and simmering tension that leaves you parched for a resolution – who will he choose in the end, or will he just smash the love triangle to pieces. The trailer keeps all these questions deliciously tantalising, answers from you, building up the intrigue without giving away the emotional payoff in the process.
Of course, not everything works. Some of the dialogues and visuals towards the end are pushing the boundaries and are uncomfortable, raising questions about the taste of a female director. They add to the film’s wild and unconventional vibe, as the early buzz says, but might polarise the audience who are expecting a light film. But this rawness is what makes Telusu Kada feel revolutionary in the Telugu rom-com space where stories play it safe. It’s a coming of age story for the swipe right generation, dissecting power dynamics in relationships with humor and honesty.
In a season full of action films and family dramas, Telusu Kada’s trailer is a breath of fresh air, if slightly dirty air. It’s a must watch for those tired of love stories and offers a radical, relatable ride through the heart. With Siddhu’s screen presence holding it all together and Kona’s fearless direction, this could be the sleeper hit that redefines romance on screen.